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How To Trim A Bridle Path - Page 1 of 2

The "bridle path" on a horse is the trimmed
area of mane just behind the ears where the bridle or halter rests. A bridle
path is commonly trimmed on all kinds of horses of all riding disciplines so that the
bridle or halter doesn't get tangled in the mane hairs. Trimming a bridle path
neatly helps to keep any horse looking its best.

In the photos and text below we'll give you some tips on how to trim
your horse's bridle path. Please keep in mind this article
assumes your horse accepts being trimmed with
electric clippers.

Begin by deciding how long you want your horse's bridle path to be.
The first step in this decision is to decide where the bridle path should
begin, then decide where it should end.

To decide where the bridle path should begin, most riders of English and Western disciplines agree
that the bridle path should begin about 1 fingers' width behind the ears.

Where the bridle path should end, however, often varies between English and
Western riding disciplines. In Western riding there is an old rule of thumb
still in use today that says the bridle path should be as long as the
horse's ear is tall. To measure this, gently lay the horse's ear backward
along its neck. See the photo below.

Below: This horse is ridden in Western
tack only. His ear is being laid along his neck as a measurement of how long
his bridle path should be.

In English riding circles, and with some Western riders, bridle paths
are shorter, often just long enough to accommodate the width of the bridle.

You can begin trimming at the front of the bridle path or the
back; it's your choice. Usually, you will get a slightly closer cut by trimming
against the growth of the hair. For a bridle path, this means trimming from front
(where the ears are) to back.

However, to trim the bridle path shown in the photos the horse was trimmed from
back to front. This is because there were some mane hairs blowing around in the wind
and starting at the back made it easier to keep the mane hairs out of the way.
At first the
halter
was pushed forward, close to the horse's ears. As the back of the bridle path
was trimmed the halter was pushed down the horse's neck to allow the
clippers room to trim closer to the ears. See the next photo.

Most people will want the front of the bridle path
to begin about 1 fingers' width behind the ears, so this is where the
trim was stopped. This should allow enough room for the bridle or halter
without cutting into the forelock hairs.

Be Safe

When trimming your horse's bridle path you will be standing very close to
the horse's head. This can be dangerous if the horse should suddenly move
its head or front legs. Use appropriate precautions and have a friend help
you if necessary. If it's fly season you will also want to apply
fly spray to your horse to encourage him or her to stand still.

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